GOOD FRIDAY: HOW MUCH YOU AND I NEED A SAVIOR!

Hello friends! It's Good Friday today. It is appropriate then to write on topic about this special day that you and I cherish and are very grateful about. My hope is that you and I would walk away having read this blog with a reminder and conviction in our hearts that we truly need a Savior.

Concept of Savior
In these past few days, I've been reflecting a lot and the takeaway has been constantly a reminder of how much human beings need a Savior. As i browse for the etymology (study of origin and history of word) for the word 'savior', it is interesting to know that the earliest predicted time the word 'savior' used was in around 14th century (according to Merriam Webster Dictionary) and it is closely linked to Christianity. The concept of Savior is very christian. Apart from Christianity, there is no awareness and understanding about savior, salvation, deliverance and the need to be delivered and saved. The concept of saving tells us that:
1. the savior is the party with power and ability and skill and resource to act, whereas
2. the saved (saving-needed) party has no power nor ability nor skill nor resource and is passive
3. being remained within the unsaved circumstance indicates an impairment
4. the saving act is beneficial and putting for the saved (saving-needed) party at a better state

Going Round and Round
I had a conversation recently with an unbelieving friend. We talk about normal quotidian life occurrences. This friend presented facts that are valid in her stories and views. I could sense her struggles in seeking truth and wisdom in this world and holding onto them as guide and help as she goes about life. The conversation felt, to me, bleak, melancholic, hopeless. I see her genuineness in solving all matters in the best way she could however, unfortunately, she still finds no contentment, joy, in all these. No matter how good and careful  life is maneuvered within the realm of worldly views, at the end of the day one couldn't find true joy, contentment, meaning, hope in this world. And this is why. Because true joy, peace, and all the good, holy, beautiful, right things are no longer here in this fallen world. It is not possible to create any of those in the evil-present territory. We are helpless since we are in this side of fallen world. So, when you are overwhelmed with the trouble, the wearies, the pain of this world and strive so hard to make things right, I cheer you on for your determination, but I'd hope that you could seek help and deliverance beyond this world. 

Breaking Through
For that particular reason, a Savior is introduced and given. An outside force is needed to interfere into our lives, get into our territory and establish new territory for us to live, so that we can have a different option a different way of life from what we are offered with in this world. And thank God, He is a Good Savior, a loving One. Because He is good, He does good things. His intention is good. He means well. The way He saves us that He chose is getting onto the cross (what Good Friday is about). He destroyed our fears, our hopelessness, our curses, our sins, our shame, our guilt by taking them onto Himself, bearing the judgment, the curses, the sins, the guilts, the lawlessness in place of us. He provided us a wayout by means of opening a way to break free from sin and get to God, where the true joy, hope, peace, love can be found. Jesus said 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.' (John 14:6). What we have been looking for in this world is ALL found in GOD through Christ. How we have needed this Savior to come and save us so we can escape the endless deep dark melancholy loop of life. 

Back to the conversation with the friend, I change the tone of the bleak conversation into a more hopeful one by means of bringing the Savior into the room, the situation. He brings light. 'that God is light, in Him there's no darkness at all' (1John1:5). He is our Hope. 'Yes, my soul find rest in God. My hope comes from Him' (Psalm 62:5). How blessed I feel to have a Savior. People need a Savior. May we who have known the Savior live in such a way that cares for others to know this Savior we adore. There's no light at the end of the tunnel if the Savior isn't factor in. 

Reflection:
1. Have you experienced heavy sense of hopelessness these days or weeks?
2. Would you see and face your situation differently should you know that a Savior has come and accomplished our salvation? 
3. What has/have changed for you knowing that Christ has borne your wounds and that through His stripes we are healed? 
4. Do you see people around you who need Savior as much as you and I do? Would you pray for God's grace over them to know this Savior and worship Him?

Click here to listen to 1-hour hymn on Good Friday on youtube